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Winterize your house… before the freeze

By Doug Francis

Faucet, late afternoon
Image by WIlly Volk via Flickr

It has been really cold in the metro D.C. area over the past couple of weeks all starting with the pre-Christmas blizzard of ’09 that dropped 20 inches of snow at my home in Vienna, Virginia. But two weeks later we still have piles of snow because it has not been above 40°. The historical average for this time of year in the D.C. Metro area is 43°, but today’s range was 9° to 31° and this week’s forecast does not get any warmer.

Brrr… this is when water pipes break!

So it is time to winterize your exterior hose bibs/faucets by turning the inside supply valve(s) to the off position. On New Years Day I spoke with a friend who had an outside hose rupture, flood her back yard and leak into her basement. Luckily they were home and heard the water flowing (she thought her son was in the shower), but if they had gone out of town, or off to work then this really would have been a disaster.

One of my listings in Fairfax, Virginia is vacant and a prime target for freezing pipes. Although the heat is on, I shut the main water supply valve to cut off the water supply to the whole house.

About a dozen years ago I showed a vacant home in Arlington, Virginia where a kitchen pipe had burst and there was at least a foot of water in the basement. Being a fairly typical male (not thinking) I walked down to the basement in my Bean Boots and found the main water shut-off valve. Lucky I wasn’t electrocuted!

So take a minute tonight and turn the inside valve to off.

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Add new tag, Home and Garden, Vienna

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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